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The Brief

TEMPE, Ariz. - A vandalized butte at Papago Park will cost taxpayers thousands of dollars to clean up, according to city officials.

A 12-foot-long asterisk-like symbol was painted in blue and white on the rock formation, but what it means remains a mystery.

What they're saying:

Alex Jovanovic, the deputy director of community services for the city of Tempe, said they are not certain what the symbol stands for, but its location on a sacred butte to local tribes means it must be removed.

"Something like this is considered desecration to their sacred spaces," Jovanovic said.

Because of this, the city will have to use a specific biodegradable chemical and hire a contractor for the removal, a process

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